Teen kills brutally stabs elderly gay man he met on dating app in homophobic attack

A teenager will be charged as an adult in the brutal stabbing death of a 64-year-old man he met on a dating app.

Prosecutors said there’s evidence 17-year-old Ahmed Al-Alikhan of Detroit targeted the victim because he was gay.  

Related:

Gay “Extreme Makeover” co-host Eduardo Xol dies a week after mysterious stabbing

A suspect has been arrested, but the details behind the slaying remain murky.

The body of Howard Brisendine was discovered in the living room of his home on the far west side of Detroit, Michigan on September 24. He’d been stabbed multiple times and his car was missing.

Stay connected to your community

Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter.

Daily

Weekly

Good News

Al-Alikhan was apprehended when he was found driving Brisendine’s car in Dearborn on October 1. He was arrested and turned over to Detroit police.

“It is hard to fathom a more planned series of events in this case,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “Unfortunately, the set of alleged facts are far too common in the LGBTQ community.”

Because of the “heinous nature” of the crime and Al-Alikhan’s age — just one month short of 18 years — prosecutors will seek to try him as an adult.

Al-Alikhan remains in custody after his arraignment on charges of first-degree murder, felony murder and car theft. Prosecutors are weighing an additional hate crime charge.

Brisendine, who worked the door at a neighbor’s bar, was discovered by his employer after he didn’t show up for work.

“I opened the front door, and there he is laying down,” Luis Mandujano told WDIV News. “It was shocking.”

“He was there to murder him” the victim’s brother, Harvey Brisendine, said of Al-Alikhan. “Hate crime.”

His brother’s face was black with bruising, Brisendine said. He identified him by a tattoo on his arm.

“There is some evidence to indicate this could have been a hate crime” perpetrated by the alleged assailant, said Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay. “We did find a couple of social media sites where he was referring to himself as a person who is anti-LGBTQ.”

“It’s chilling,” McKay said.

Fair Michigan Justice Project, a non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy group, is assisting authorities with the investigation.

“This case highlights the very real threats of deadly violence that LGTBQ individuals face every day,” said FMJP President Alanna Maguire. “We encourage everyone to maintain vigilance, and follow recommended safety tips, particularly when using dating apps. Always meet a potential date in public, use your own vehicle or make use of a ride-sharing app.”

She added, “Make sure to save contact details in screenshots to capture the person’s name and chat details, should you ever find yourself a victim of a crime.”  

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Don't forget to share: